Preventing Forest Fires in the South of France
Tips for Avoiding Woodland Fires and How to Report Them
May 14, 2009
Scorching summers and dry winters, combined with the breathtaking countryside are key elements that bring thousands of holidaymakers to the South of France every year.
But the very climate that so many crave can turn the environment into a tinderbox, vulnerable to fire.
Every year thousands of hectares of land are destroyed by fire in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France.
In 2003, after a particularly dry winter, followed by a sizzling summer nearly 3,500 fires destroyed over 61,000 hectares of forest; an increase of approximately 77% on the annual average of previous and subsequent years.
Figures provided by the Institute la Foret Méditerranéanee, in 2005, show:
- 90% of fires are started by man
- 4 out of 5 forest fires are caused by carelessness
- 98% of fires start within 100 metres of a house or road open to traffic
Limited Access to Forests and Woodland in the South of France
The authorities take the protection of the countryside and the prevention of fires very seriously. Visitors may find access to woodland is restricted in particular regions or departments, depending on weather conditions.
Rules of access for each region are available from the local mairie.
Firebreaks are created in densely wooded areas or along the edge of main routes. Trees may be felled and the undergrowth severely cut back to create wide, clear areas.
Residents and visitors alike have a responsibility to help the security services keep the countryside fire free and householders are required to keep gardens and land clear to reduce the risk of fire.
Stringent checks are carried out by the local mairie, who issues a document – Mise en Application de l'Obligation de Debroussaillement Autour des Habitations – that either confirms compliance with land clearance regulations or details work that is required to be carried out within a limited timescale to achieve the desired state.
Some common causes of forest or woodland fires, as provided by the Institute la Foret Méditerranéanne, are:
- Cigarette butts thrown from a vehicle window – the grass, shrubs and trees can quickly catch fire and for this reason smoking and the disposal of lighted objects in woodland areas is strictly prohibited.
- Careless disposal of hot ashes and coals from barbecues and camp fires is a common cause of fire. Therefore, the lighting of a fire within 200 yards of woodland is specifically prohibited, as is the disposal of hot coals or ashes in plastic dustbins.
Reporting Woodland or Forest Fires in the South of France
For most of us forest or woodland fires are disasters we read about in the newspaper or see on television. However, if you are unlucky enough to discover a fire while travelling around or visiting the region never get too close to it and telephone 18 or 112 immediately to raise the alarm.
You will be required to give the following information to the operator:
- The location of the fire – the place, road number or name.
- The type of fire – Forest or scrub? Is it threatening housing, a campsite or other buildings?
- Your name and telephone number.
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